Pelham to vote on development zoning

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The city of Pelham is moving forward with a new apartment development despite public concern.

The council passed a zoning amendment unanimously Thursday night and surprisingly, no one spoke at the public hearing on the development. Earlier this week, several residents told us off-camera that they worried about the high volume of traffic this retail and luxury apartment complex would bring to Amphitheater Road, which is two lanes. Still, no one spoke up about this concern at the public hearing.

The vote to amend the zoning district passed.

“The business community seemed very elated about the possibility for the entertainment district. There are several right there off of amphitheater road, and right behind, that had a lot of concerns initially about their businesses and once they realized what the conceptual plans were, they really got engaged and my conversations showed support,” says Pelham City Councilmember Maurice Mercer.

The developers will now draw up concrete plans that the council will vote on. No word yet on a timetable.